Chapter 9 - Patricia Built the Machine
Emily told them everything she knew.
Years earlier, Patricia had handled informal investments for several wealthy families in Robert’s social circle.
She had no official title at Carter Development.
That was exactly why the arrangement worked.
Money passed through companies that looked unrelated to the family.
Westbridge became one of them.
Daniel eventually took control.
“He was good at it,” Emily said.
“Good at what?”
“Making people trust him.”
Jennifer understood that better than anyone.
Emily had discovered missing funds while helping Daniel prepare for their wedding.
When she confronted him, he denied everything.
Then Patricia intervened.
“She told me I was confused.”
Emily’s mouth tightened.
“She said family finances were complicated.”
Jennifer almost smiled at the familiar phrase.
“What happened afterward?”
Emily stared at the screen.
“Daniel realized I had copied documents.”
The room went quiet.
“He came to my apartment.”
Jennifer remembered the police report.
Emily continued.
“He smashed my laptop.”
Her voice remained controlled.
“He told me no one would believe me.”
Jennifer’s fingers curled against the table.
“Why didn’t you go public?”
“I tried.”
Emily explained that Patricia offered a settlement.
Daniel threatened a lawsuit.
Emily’s father was dying.
Medical debt was consuming her family.
She accepted the money.
“I hated myself for years.”
Jennifer shook her head.
“You survived.”
Emily looked surprised.
Jennifer continued.
“They created the trap.”
The call ended with Emily agreeing to cooperate through attorneys.
That afternoon, Rachel filed an amended divorce petition alleging financial misconduct and dissipation of marital assets.
Robert’s company also filed a civil suit against Daniel and Westbridge.
For the first time, Daniel was facing pressure from every direction.
Then he changed tactics.
He asked for reconciliation.
Flowers arrived at Jennifer’s house.
Then letters.
Then a handwritten note.
I LOVE YOU.
I LOST MY WAY.
PLEASE DON’T DESTROY OUR FAMILY OVER MY MISTAKES.
Jennifer read it once.
Then handed it to Rachel.
Daniel requested supervised time with Lily.
Jennifer agreed.
She would not use their daughter as revenge.
During the first visit, Daniel sat across from Jennifer in a family services office.
A supervisor remained nearby.
Daniel held Lily gently.
For several minutes, he looked like the man Jennifer had once believed she married.
Then Lily fell asleep against his chest.
Daniel whispered.
“You still have time to stop this.”
Jennifer stared at him.
“Stop what?”
“The lawsuits.”
“No.”
His expression changed.
Barely.
But she saw it.
“You think my father is protecting you?”
“He’s protecting his company.”
Daniel smiled without warmth.
“You don’t know him.”
Jennifer stayed silent.
Daniel leaned closer.
“Ask him where the first Westbridge money came from.”
Jennifer felt her stomach tighten.
“What does that mean?”
Daniel looked at Lily.
Then back at Jennifer.
“My mother may have built the machine.”
May you like
His voice dropped.
“But my father supplied the first dollar.”
